Lady Tigers kick off year with CHAMPS Back to School Bash

As has become tradition at LSU, all student-athletes joined together for the annual CHAMPS Back to School Bash.  This year the event was held in the Carl Maddox Fieldhouse.  The event includes all the student-athletes from the various teams at LSU along with all the coaches and the administration at LSU.  Another keynote to the event is great food and there was a wonderful spread of bar-b-que for all to enjoy.  Athletic Director Joe Alleva kicked the evening off by welcoming all the student-athletes back and encouraging them to take full advantage of the many resources available to them to succeed.  Tiger Athletic Foundation CED General Ron Richard then took a moment to also welcome us all back while letting us know how hard they are working on our behalf.  From there is was on to the competitions for the night with all the student-athletes placed in selected teams.  This is a great way for them to get to know the other student-athletes from the other sports.  It was another great evening and were certainly owe a great deal of thanks to Mike Mallett and Jade Jenkins on all the people at CHAMPS for again helping us to start the school year in grand fasion!

Filed under  //  Community   Team  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Chicago's Sylvia Fowles Receives WNBA Cares Community Assist Award for July

NEW YORK, Aug. 10, 2010 – The WNBA today honored Chicago Sky center Sylvia Fowles'  commitment to the community with its WNBA Cares Community Assist Award for July. Throughout the month, Fowles has played a leadership role in the team’s community outreach, including a recent partnership with Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE). She continues to be a positive role model for youngsters in Chicago and beyond.

Fowles’ personal experience with epilepsy— her young nephew, Morris, is fighting the disease— prompted her desire to get more involved with CURE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for epilepsy by raising funds for research and increasing public awareness. In June, the WNBA All-Star player reached out to the organization to see how she could help, an effort that resulted in the launch of a new partnership between the Sky and CURE. The Sky tipped off the partnership with a special ticket program for their home game against the New York Liberty on July 23 and donated a portion of the ticket sales to CURE. Following the game, Fowles hosted a special meet-and-greet to thank fans for their support and treated epilepsy sufferer Lauren Axelrod to a private tour of the Sky locker room, where she introduced her to teammates. 

“I am grateful that I am in a position to make a difference for those who struggle with epilepsy,” Fowles said. “I look forward to continuing to raise awareness and funding to find a cure for this devastating disease, and I encourage others to lend a helping hand.” 

To further lend her support, Fowles designed and purchased CURE-themed red silicon wristbands, which she wears during all games and has distributed to CURE members, teammates, family, and friends. Fowles plans to continue her efforts by filming a PSA with CURE and participating in a number of upcoming events hosted by the organization. 

The WNBA Cares Community Assist Award is presented monthly throughout the season to the player who best reflects the league’s passion for making a difference in the community. In recognition of Fowles’ charitable efforts, the WNBA is donating $5,000 to CURE on her behalf.

Filed under  //  Alumni   Community   Sylvia Fowles   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Big Syl helping CURE: Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy

Join Sylvia Fowles and CURE: Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy for the Official Chicago Sky Friday, July 23 game against the New York Liberty!

Purchase tickets at http://tinyurl.com/CURE2010 and enter promo code CURE or contact Shelli Anderson:
sanderson@chicagosky.net or 312.994.5980 to have a portion of your
...proceeds donated to CURE: Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy . As a spokesperson for CURE, Sylvia honors her nephew Morris who is affected by epilepsy.

If you would like to make a donation to CURE: Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy with Sylvia, but cannot attend the game log onto: http://tinyurl.com/CUREdonate and select "in honor."

Sylvia_fowles800

Filed under  //  Alumni   Community   Sylvia Fowles   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Thanks to all the sponsors of the Lady Tiger Golf Classic

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BRITTANY CAVALHIDO (5-7-10):

There is so much that is involved in the success of a golf tournament. For me, I was overwhelmed at the support of our many sponsors. The sponsorship helps us to raise money for our program while also keeping costs down. We have many sponsors that have been involved in our golf tournament for years but we also picked up some new sponsors as well. As a fan of Lady Tiger Basketball, the best way to say thanks to these sponsors is to purchase their products. To all of those who supported us -- THANKS YOU!

Atchafalaya Country Club
California Pizza Kitchen
Campus Federal
Capital Area Tigers
Carter Plantation
Chris Perez
Coca-Cola
Copper Mill Country Club
Cox Communication
Embassy Suites
Golf Etc
Greystone Country Club
Grid Iron Club
Howard Jones
Krispy Kreme
Lady Tiger Depot
McAlister's Deli
Pelican Point Golf & Country Club
Red Stick Sports
Sherwood Dental Clinic
Southern BBQ
The Bluffs Country Club
Tiger Mania
Varsity Sports
Winn Dixie

 

Filed under  //  Community  
Posted by Bill Martin  

Big thanks to Mindy Hetzel and Southern BBQ!

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VAN CHANCELLOR (5-5-10):
Lunch for the golf tournament was donated by Southern BBQ! It was a huge hit with everyone! Mindy Hetzel with Southern BBQ was kind enough to come out and serve our participants! If you haven't tried Southern BBQ products you need to -- it is made right here in Louisiana and it is delicious! Southern BBQ is located in Jennings, LA. Their website is: www.SouthernBBQsauce.com

Filed under  //  Community  
Posted by Bill Martin  

Lady Tiger Golf Classic

BRITTANY CARVALHIDO (5-4-10):
It was another beautiful day for this year’s Lady Tiger Golf Classic! Thanks to Mike Johnson and The LSU Golf Course for hosting our golf tournament! Kim Crane and Kelly Presley with The Lady Tiger Depot were our Title Sponsor! Ms. Jacqui Vines and Cox Communications were another corporate sponsor and came out to support the Lady Tigers again this year! Once again it was a huge success and the primary reason is directly linked to the support from the teams, hole sponsors and many others. We are looking forward to seeing all of you again next spring!

 

Filed under  //  Community  
Posted by Bill Martin  

Meek talks basketball and her HOPE Foundation

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Here are just a few excerpts from a wonderful interview with Temeka Johnson. Make sure you click on the link: http://bit.ly/da6dfj to read it in it's entirety to see what Meek has to say about returning as a WNBA champion, playing overseas, her pro history, her time at LSU and her dedicated work to her HOPE Foundation.


You have started basketball very young, what made you try and love this sport?
Yes, I loved the game of basketball. Since the age of 6 I’ve been playing the sport. Both of my parents played it, so it was a game that really came natural to me.

From 2002 to 2005 you attended the Louisiana State University, how was this period for you? Is your Assist Pass Record still relevant?
My time at LSU was great. It started off with me sitting out my 1st year, but that allowed me to concentrate on my studies and also become a smarter player by observing the game. I still hold the LSU assist record.

You have a lot of websites such as Meek2.com , and MeeksHOPE.org , Meek Moments without to forget Facebook and Twitter why do so many websites? Family, friends, fans?
At first, I only had my Meek2.com site, but once I started my foundation, I wanted to have a separate presence on the web. We are relaunching the MeeksHOPE.org site during the WNBA season, so that will be a central place for fans to find out about me. The blog site was based on having a more current place where I could let my friends, family and fans know about what I was doing daily.

You also created your own foundation (MeeksHOPE.org) can you introduce it?
Yes, my foundation is called the HOPE Foundation, which stands for Heaven Opens People’s Eyes. It is a dream come true, as I get to help so many in need.

Why did you create this foundation?
My foundation has always been a goal of mine. I am where I am now, due to the support of my family and friends. Without them, I would not be here, so I want to give back and help out as many people as possible. Many people have stated that I give them hope to reach their dreams, so I want to actually assist them in their dreams and goals. Sometimes it’s a small thing that can help push or position a person for greatness. I love being able to help othersin need!

Did you have some great moments in your foundation? What is your next step, expectation?
Setting up the Jewel Johnson Scholarship fund in honor of my grandmother was one of my greatest moments with the HOPE Foundation. She meant so much to me and the students she taught, that I was proud to make this happen. In October I also had the Temeka Johnson Weekend in Baton Rouge, Kenner and New Orleans, where we hosted a number of charity events for the community. I was so proud to be able to do that. For next steps, we have a lot in store. We have a children’s book coming out, a charity basketball game, adopting more schools, and just growing the foundation. I am truly blessed.

Do you have teammates who come to help you?
Yes, I have teammates such as Ketia Swanier that have joined me with certain foundation events, but also other players. Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky) actually presented me with a $5,000 USD check to start the Jewel Johnson Scholarship fund. We all help each other, and also give signed items that help each of our foundations to raise the money needed to create more programs for those in need.

Filed under  //  Community   Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bill Martin  

Lady Tigers appear at Baton Rouge Zoo for BREC

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COURTNEY JONES (4-17-10):
I had a blast at the zoo. I can't even remember the last time I went! After signing autographs we all decided to walk around to look at the animals. Honestly I had no idea what most animals were. It was a joy being able to be only feet away from them and experience them. I was really amazed at the Japanese Coy fish! They were HUGE and so colorful! I would love to go again one day!

Filed under  //  Community   Player's Post  
Posted by Bill Martin  

Allison names to SEC Community Service Team

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- LSU senior guard Allison Hightower has been recognized for her efforts in the community as she was named to the 2010 Southeastern Conference's Women's Basketball Community Service Team, the league office has announced.

In a continuing effort to recognize the accomplishments of student-athletes beyond the field of competition, the SEC once again highlighted a Community Service Team for women's basketball for the 2009-2010 season.

Hightower has played an important role in the Lady Tigers' community service efforts her entire career. She is a finalist for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, which recognizes excellence on and off the court. Fans can vote for Hightower at www.seniorclassaward.com/vote. Fans can text W7 to 74567 to vote for Hightower from mobile devices.

Hightower has visited Baton Rouge area schools and been a leader in the Lady Tigers' "Grades, Perseverance and Education" (GPA) program that was launched last summer. The GPA program was established as a partnership between LSU women's basketball and the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.

Hightower joined former LSU star and 2009 WNBA champion Temeka Johnson and her H.O.P.E. Foundation in speaking to schools around the Baton Rouge area about the importance of getting an education. The group also donated shoes to deserving children at Magnolia Woods Elementary School.

Hightower has spent time in classrooms and the gymnasium at Southeast Middle School where she addressed students on the importance of hard work and getting an education. The senior was adopted by the school and she has routinely made visits since the fall.

Filed under  //  Community   Media  
Posted by Bill Martin  

Vote for Allison for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award

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OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- LSU senior guard Allison Hightower is one of 10 national finalists for the 2009-10 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award for NCAA women's basketball, which recognizes excellence both on and off the court. Fans can vote online now at: http://bit.ly/boeX6p.

To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence - classroom, character, community and competition.

Nationwide balloting concludes March 22 to determine the winner. Fan balloting will be available on the award's official Web site http://www.seniorclassaward.com/vote/womens_basketball_2009/as well as through text messaging. Fans can text W7 to 74567 to vote for Hightower. These votes will be combined with votes from coaches and media to determine the recipient of the award.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in SchoolTM, the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities. The finalists were chosen by a media committee from the list of 30 women's candidates who were announced in October.


"It's an honor to be considered a finalist for such a great award because it also takes into account what you do in the community and in school and not just on the court," Hightower said. "We've always been proud of what we do in the community as Lady Tigers. To have the fans involved in the voting is great because they are the ones who see us not only out on the court but in school visits and community service projects."

Filed under  //  Community   Media  
Posted by Bill Martin